Co-continuous interconnecting channel morphology polymer having controlled gas transmission rate through the polymer

ABSTRACT

The present invention includes a composition having a co-continuous interconnecting channel morphology for controlled gas transmission rate. These co-continuous interconnecting channels are predominately occupied with a polymer and particles that control the percolation through the composition. The polymer composition may be used to form a desired shaped article such as plug type inserts and liners for closed containers, or it may be formed into a film, sheet, bead or pellet.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is claiming the benefit of the prior filed co-pending provisional application, U.S. Ser. No. 60/186,987 filed Mar. 6, 2000.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 09/504,029, filed Feb. 14, 2000, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. Nos. 09/156,937, 09/157,032, 09/157,014, and 09/156,720, filed Sep. 18, 1998, which in turn is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 09/087,830, filed May 29, 1998, which in turn is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 08/812,315, filed Mar. 5, 1997, which in turn is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 09/122,912, filed on Jul. 27, 1998.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to a composition having co-continuous interconnecting channel morphology comprising three components—two polymers (i.e. components A and B) and a particle (i.e. component C) wherein the channels consist mainly of component B and the majority of component C resides in the channels. This co-continuous interconnecting channel morphology is designed to control the gas transmission rate through the composition. Components A and B are generally immiscible within each other. In addition, one criteria for selecting component C and components A and B may be based on component C preferential affinity for component B over component A. Another criteria for selecting components B and C may be based on the capability of the combination of components B and C to either increase or decrease the gas transmission properties of component A. For example, component C may be a desiccant particle. In one embodiment, the composition of the present invention is useful in the manufacture of shaped articles such as containers, films and sheets for applications requiring a tailored moisture vapor transmission rate.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Polymeric structures having tailored transmission characteristics are suitable, for example, for flexible and for rigid packages. For example, flexible films having tailored moisture vapor transmission (“MVT”) characteristic may be used in packages such as pouches, bags and wraps and in a wide variety of application, including food preservation. In another example, polymeric structures having tailored gas transmission characteristics may also be used in such applications as filtration for solids, the ultra filtration of colloidal matter, as diffusion barriers or separators in electrochemical cells. In yet another example, polymeric structures having tailored MVT characteristics may also be used in applications requiring permeability to water vapor but not liquid water for applications such as garments including rain coats and outerwear and camping equipment. Such films may be also used for filter cleaning, surgical dressings bandages and in other fluid transmissive medical applications. One method that has been used to tailor the transmission properties of a polymeric structure is by creating a microporous structure in the polymer. For example, a blend of solvent and polymer are extruded, the solvent is leached out of the extruded material and then the material is stretched to obtain a desired porosity. Typically, these micropores are void spaces but also may be subsequently filled with material, in an additional step.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses a composition having co-continuous interconnecting channel morphology. In one embodiment, these co-continuous interconnecting channels may be designed to control the amount and/or rate of migration of the desired property (e.g., gases from any surface of the composition through the interior of the composition to any other surface). Furthermore, these co-continuous interconnecting channels through which the desired substance is permitted to travel are occupied by a polymer (e.g., hydrophilic agents) that controls the percolation through the composition. This polymer is mixed with at least another polymer (i.e. major component) and a particle that form the interconnecting channel morphology and a percolation path.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of shaped article such as a plug, insert, tablet sheet or film constructed from the composition of the present invention showing, in an exaggerated scale, the openings of the co-continuous interconnecting channels morphology at the exterior surface of the shaped article.

FIG. 2 is an exaggerated, cross-sectional view of a solidified shaped article formed from component A having components B and C blended therewith.

FIG. 3 is an exaggerated cross-sectional view of the composition of the present invention formed into a sheet located adjacent to a barrier sheet constructed from a polymer that acts as a transmission rate barrier.

FIG. 4 is an exaggerated cross-sectional view the composition of the present invention formed into a sheet that has been comolded at an interior of a barrier sheet so that the products are integrally molded together and comprise one unified laminate.

FIG. 5 is a graphical view of a swelling and weight loss analysis of three film samples: Film #2, Film #3 and Film #4.

FIG. 6 is a graphical view of a DSC curve of a sample of 100% polyglycol.

FIG. 7 is a graphical view of a DSC curve of a sample of Film #4.

FIG. 8 is a graphical view of a DSC curve of a sample of Film #5.

FIG. 9 is a graphical view of a DSC curve of a sample of Film #6.

FIG. 10 is a graphical view of a DSC curve of a sample of Film #2 in a pre-incubation state.

FIG. 11 is a graphical view of a DSC curve of a sample of Film #2 in a post-incubation state.

FIG. 12 is a graphical view of a DSC curve of a sample of Film #3 in a pre-incubation state.

FIG. 13 is a graphical view of a DSC curve of a sample of Film #3 in a post-incubation state.

FIGS. 14a-c are scanning electron photomicrographs of a film sample of Film #4.

FIGS. 15a-c are scanning electron photomicrographs of a film sample of Film #5.

FIGS. 16a-c are scanning electron photomicrographs of a film sample of Film #6.

FIGS. 17a-d are scanning electron photomicrographs of a film sample of Film #3.

Among those benefits and improvements that have been disclosed, other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale, some features may be exaggerated to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

It has been discovered that a composition having co-continuous interconnecting channel morphology may be produced and that such a composition may be used in the formation of shaped articles such as containers (e.g. pouches, bags and wraps), sheets, films, pellets, beads and discs. This co-continuous interconnecting channel morphology is designed to control the gas transmission rate through the composition. Specifically, a composition having co-continuous interconnecting channel morphology may be formed comprising at least three components, wherein: (a) component A is selected from the group of polymers that are semicrystalline polymers and amorphous polymers, wherein the amorphous polymers have a shear modulus greater than about 8 MPa; (b) component B is a polymer; (c) components A and B are immiscible within each other, and if components A and B react after mixing, components A and B are immiscible prior to reacting; (d) component C is a particle; (e) the volume fraction of component A represents at least about 50% by volume of the total volume of components A, B and C; (f) the preferential affinity between component B and component C is greater than between component A and component C; (g) at least two phases are formed, one phase is composed of a majority of component A, and the second phase is composed of a majority of components B and a majority of component C; and (h) two phases form the co-continuous interconnecting channel morphology.

Components A, B and C may be selected based on the desired end-use result—the desired end-use property. For example, component A may typically be selected based on its permeability properties (e.g. barrier properties), its chemical and/or temperature resistance properties, its molding properties, and/or its price (e.g. since it is the component having the largest volume fraction of the composition). Similarly, for example, component B may typically be selected based on its transport properties (e.g. desired permeant transmission properties) and its preferential affinity with component C. Also, for example, component C may typically be selected based on its ability: (a) to assist in the creation and stability of the channels; and (b) to either increase or decrease the desired permeant transmission properties of the composition. Consequently, a specific composition may be uniquely tailored and thus, uniquely optimized for specific gas transmission properties. In various embodiments, component C's loading level can range from about 5% to 10%, 10% to 20%, 20% to 40% and 40% to 60% by weight of total. With respect to component B, for example, component B's loading level can range from about 3% to 5%, 5% to 8%, 8% to 12%, 12% to 15%, 15% to 25% and 25% to 30% by weight of total.

In yet another embodiment, component C may be selected for multiple roles—for its effect on overall transmission properties of the composition and for its ability to either absorb, release and/or activate a desired material.

In one embodiment relating to the method of forming the composition of the present invention, component C and component B are added to component A, which in one example is a water-insoluble polymer, when component A is in a molten state; or before component A is in the molten state, so that components B and C may be blended and uniformly mixed throughout component A. For example, such a technique may be useful when components A, B and C are all powders. In another embodiment, component B (such as a hydrophilic agent) and component A are mixed prior to adding component C. Component B is either added before component A is in the molten state or after component A is in the molten state. For example, component C may be added to component A during the thermal process of forming sheets. After blending and processing, the phase containing the majority of component B forms interconnecting channels that contain a percolation path through the surrounding phase containing the majority of component A. The majority of component C resides in the interconnecting channels because of its preferential affinity towards component B over component A. In addition, the composition of the present invention may be described as “monolithic” because the composition does not consist of two or more discrete macroscopic layers.

For purposes of the present invention, the term “phase” means a portion of a physical system that has uniform average properties throughout, has defined boundaries and, in principle, can be separated physically from other phases. The term “gas” includes vapors such as moisture vapor. The term “water-insoluble polymer” means a polymer having a solubility in water below about 0.1% at 25° C. and atmospheric pressure. The term “hydrophilic agent” is defined as a material that is not substantially crosslinked and that has a solubility in water of at least about 1% at 25° C. and atmospheric pressure. Suitable hydrophilic agents include “channeling” agents. The term “melting point” is defined as the first order transition point of the material determined by DSC. The term “not mutually soluble” means immiscible with each other. The term “immiscibility” means that the components of the blend are driven by thermodynamic forces to separate (i.e. demix) into two or more distinct phases that will coexist indefinitely under equilibrium conditions. An example is the separation of the oil-rich and water-rich phases in a salad dressing. For purposes of the present invention, “partial” immiscibility or “partial” miscibility is deemed “immiscible” and thus, any tendency for a component to phase separate from another component is deemed “immiscible.” Immiscibility may be determined by the application of one or more forms of microscopy (e.g., optical, TEM, SEM or AFM) with an observation that the components are separated into two or more distinct phases. The term “particle” means a dispersed component that is either a crystalline or amorphous solid, or a crosslinked organic or inorganic material, and that retains its shape, aside from recoverable deformations, before, during, and after the blend is compounded (e.g. extruded and/or injection molded) in the molten state at elevated temperatures. This would include, e.g., a crosslinked polymer latex.

Further, for purposes of the present invention, the term “co-continuous interconnecting channel morphology” means that the minor phase (i.e., the phase containing the majority of component B) is drawn out into interconnected channels that contain a percolation path, while simultaneously, the majority phase (i.e., that containing the majority of component A) is percolating. “Percolation” means that there exists at least one unbroken path, composed only of points from within that phase, that will lead from any surface of a sample through the interior of the sample to any other surface. Such a percolation path provides a route for a desired object, such as a small molecule, an atom, an ion, or an electron, to be macroscopically transported across the sample while contacting only one of the phases. For some systems, the existence of an interconnecting channel morphology that is co-continuous may be determined by a minimum of two transport measurements that demonstrate percolation in both minor and major phases. Percolation theory is a mature branch of mathematics and physical science that is described in a variety of review articles, specialized monographs, and many introductory texts on stochastic processes, probability theory, and statistical mechanics. For example, an introductory treatment of percolation theory is described by D. Stauffer in Introduction to Percolation Theory, Taylor and Francis, (London 1985).

The term “preferential affinity” means that the particle (i.e., component C) has a lower interfacial energy when contacting one component than compared to contacting another component. A suitable qualitative method for determining “preferential affinity” for the present invention is the following:

(a) Blend the particle with the two components at elevated temperatures in their liquid state. Mix to achieve a macroscopically homogeneous dispersion.

(b) Cool the mixture and allow to solidify.

(c) Use a form of microscopy (e.g., TEM, SEM, and/or AFM) on a thin section to determine which of the two phases most closely contacts each particle in the field of view.

(d) The component that is in the majority in the phase that contacts the largest number of particles is the component with “preferential affinity” for the particle.

Further, the term “shear modulus” is the ratio of a measured shear stress to the magnitude of a small, elastically recoverable, shear strain that is used to produce that stress. The criterion of greater than about 8 MPa refers to the shear modulus measured at room temperature. The “shear modulus” is determined by ASTM test method E 143-87 (1998). The term “polymer” means a composition that is made by reacting two or more molecular species (“monomers”) to form chemically-bonded larger molecules. The term “semicrystalline” means that the polymeric component, at ambient temperature, contains regions in which chain segments are packed with spatial registry into a periodic lattice and these regions are of sufficient size and extent to exhibit a detectable melting endotherm in a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurement. The term “amorphous” means that the polymeric component, at ambient temperature, either contains no regions of periodic packing of segments, or such regions are undetectable with a DSC measurement.

In one embodiment relating to increasing the MVT of component A, component B may be a hydrophilic agent. Suitable hydrophilic agents of the present invention may include polyglycols such as poly(ethylene glycol) and poly(propylene glycol) and mixtures thereof. Other suitable materials may include EVOH, pentaerithritol, PVOH, polyvinylpyrollidine, vinylpyrollidone or poly(N-methyl pyrollidone), and saccharide based compounds such as glucose, fructose, and their alcohols, mannitol, dextrin, and hydrolyzed starch being suitable for the purposes of the present invention since they are hydrophilic compounds. In another embodiment, suitable hydrophilic agents of the present invention may also include any hydrophilic material wherein the hydrophilic agent is heated above its melt point, and subsequently separates from component A to form the interconnecting channeled morphology of the present invention and thus, a two phase system of one phase having a majority of the water-insoluble polymer and the second phase having a majority of the hydrophilic agent and the particle.

In one embodiment relating to increasing the transmission properties of component A, the particle (i.e., component C) may be composed of one or more type of absorbing materials. For example, absorbing material of the present invention may include one or more desiccating compounds. In general, there are three primary types of desiccating compounds that may be used with the present invention. The first type comprises chemical compounds that can combine with water to form hydrates. Examples of such desiccant are anhydrous salts which tend to absorb water or moisture and form a stable hydrate. The second type of desiccant compounds are those which are considered to be reactive. These compounds typically undergo a chemical reaction with water or moisture and form new compounds within which the water is combined. The third type of desiccants obtain their moisture absorbing capabilities through physical absorption. Examples of these physical absorption desiccants include molecular sieves, silica gels, clays (e.g. montmorillimite clay), certain synthetic polymers (e.g. those used in baby diapers), and starches. In one embodiment, the molecular sieve pore sizes that are suitable for use in the present invention include between about 3 to 15 Angstroms; about 3 to 5 Angstroms, about 5 to 8:3 Angstroms; 4 Angstroms; 5 Angstroms; 8 Angstroms and 10 Angstroms. In another embodiment, the pore size of silica gel is about 24 Angstroms.

In a further embodiment, component C may be composed of absorbing materials such as: (1) metals and alloys such as, but not limited to, nickel, copper, aluminum, silicon, solder, silver, gold; (2) metal-plated particulate such as silver-plated copper, silver-placed nickel, silver-plated glass microspheres; (3) inorganics such as BaTiO₃, SrTiO₃, SiO₂, Al₂O₃, ZnO, TiO₂, MnO, CuO, Sb₂O₃, WC, fused silica, fumed silica, amorphous fused silica, sol-gel silica, sol-gel titanates, mixed titanates, ion exchange resins, lithium-containing ceramics, hollow glass microspheres; (4) carbon-based materials such as carbon, activated charcoal, carbon black, ketchem black, diamond powder; and (5) elastomers, such as crosslinked polybutadiene and polysiloxane.

In yet another embodiment, the particle (i.e. component C) may be composed of a variety of releasing material. Such material may comprise any suitable form which will release dispersant to surrounding atmosphere, including solid, gel, liquid, and in some cases a gas. These substances can perform a variety of functions including: serving as a fragrance, flavor, or perfume source; supplying a biologically active ingredient such as pesticide, pest repellent, antimicrobials, bait, aromatic medicines, etc.; providing humidifying or desiccating substances; delivering air-borne active chemicals, such as corrosion inhibitors; ripening agents and odor-making agents, etc.

In yet another embodiment, the particle (i.e. component C) may be composed of various types of activation material. Generally, an activation material includes a composition that requires a specific liquid, vapor, or gas to activate the composition and, after activation, the composition releases the desired vapor, liquid, or gas. In one embodiment, moisture is used to activate the composition. In another embodiment, oxygen is used to activate the composition. In a further embodiment, an acid is used to activate the composition. In yet a further embodiment, a base is used to activate the composition. In yet another embodiment, a variety of materials may be released. Such material may comprise any suitable form which will release dispersant to surrounding atmosphere, including solid, gel, liquid, and, in some cases, a gas. These substances can perform a variety of functions, including: serving as a fragrance or perfume source; supplying a biologically active ingredient such as a biocide, antimicrobial agent, pesticide, pest repellent, bait, aromatic medicine, etc.; providing humidifying or desiccating substances; or delivering air-borne active chemicals, such as corrosion inhibitors, ripening agents and odor-masking agents.

In a further embodiment, activation material may also be added to provide the polymer with one or more specific properties, such as acidity, basicity, thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, dimensional stability, low dielectric constant, high-dielectric constant, ion-exchange capabilities, galvanic potential, flame retardency, etc.

It is understood that the gas transmission characteristics of component A may be affected by any combination of the following: (a) the size of the individual particles (i.e. component C); (b) the compositional make-up of component C; (c) the amount of component C; (d) the compositional make-up of component B; and (e) the amount of component B.

With respect to component A, in one embodiment, component A may be a water-insoluble polymer such as a thermoplastic material. Examples of suitable thermoplastic materials may include polyolefins such as polypropylene and polyethylene, polyisoprene, polybutadiene, polybutene, polysiloxane, polycarbonates, polyamides, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, ethylene-methacrylate copolymer, poly(vinyl chloride), polystyrene, polyesters, polyanhydrides, polyacrylianitrile, polysulfones, polyacrylic ester, acrylic, polyurethane and polyacetal, or copolymers or mixtures thereof.

In an additional embodiment, component B may be a hydrophobic agent. For purposes of the present invention, the term “hydrophobic agent” is defined as a material that has a solubility in water of less than about 20% at 25° C. and atmospheric pressure. In one example, hydrophobic agents may be used in applications requiring the percolation of non-polar gases. For example, a water-insoluble polymer (e.g. component A), a hydrophobic agent (e.g. component B) and component C of the present invention may be used in application where transfer of toxic gases and/or organic solvents are required such as in filter systems.

In yet another embodiment, components A, B and C are first dry mixed in a mixer such as a Henschel, and then fed to a compounder. A Leistritz twin screw extruder, for example, or a Werner Pfleider mixer can be used to achieve a good melt mix at about 140° C. to about 170° C. The melt can then be either extruded to form, for example, a film sheet or converted into pellets using dry air cooling on a vibrating conveyer. The formed pellets, containing channels, can, for example, then be either injection molded into beads, sieves, or co-injected with polypropylene as the inside layer of a container.

Moreover, in a further embodiment, it is believed that a composition may be formed having channels composed of two discrete polymers (e.g. phases with a majority of components B and B′ respectively) with each type of channel composed of a majority of either the same particles (e.g. component C) or different particles (e.g. components C and C′) where B/B′ and C/C′ are selected, among other characteristics, based on their preferential affinities with each other. For example, a composition may be formed, wherein: (a) component A is a semicrystalline polymer; (b) component B and B′ are polymers; (c) components A, B and B′ are immiscible within each other; (d) components C and C′ are particles; (e) the volume fraction of component A represents at least about 34% by volume of the total volume of components A, B, B′, C and C′; (f) the preferential affinity between components B and C is greater than either between components A and C and between components B′ and C; (g) the preferential affinity between components B′ and C′ is greater than either between components A and C′ and between components B and C′; (h) at least three phases are formed, one phase is composed of a majority of component A, the second phase is composed of a majority of component B and a majority of component C, and the third phase is composed of a majority of components B′ and a majority of components C′; and (i) at least three phases form the co-continuous interconnecting channel morphology. It is further believed that such a composition could be designed to have multiple characteristics. For example, a select channel morphology could have high moisture transmission properties with a majority of desiccants residing in these channels and another channel morphology within the same composition could have high oxygen transmission properties with oxygen absorbing agents. In addition, as another example, additional channel morphologies may also be designed using additional components (e.g. components B″, B′″, . . . and C″, C′″. . . ).

In yet a further embodiment, because the composition of the present invention may be more brittle than component A without components B and C, the package may be molded so that an interior portion of the package is the composition of the present invention while the exterior portions are formed from pure polymer or the composition of the present invention with a lower loading level components B and/or C. For example, a package having an interior portion composed of the composition of the present invention and an exterior portion composed of pure polymer typically may not only be more durable and less brittle, but may also act as a gas barrier that resists the transmission of selected vapors from the exterior into the interior of the package.

The composition of the present invention has numerous applications. The following examples are merely exemplary and are not meant to limit the application of the present invention. One application is the construction of rigid containers that are suitable for containing relatively small volumes of product such as food stuffs and medicines. In another embodiment, the composition of the present invention may be formed into an insert for inclusion within the interior of the container. An example of one form of an insert is a plug or sleeve of any suitable shape. While the plug would serve its purpose by being merely deposited within the container, it may also be fixed to an interior location so that it does move about within the interior space. In a further embodiment, it is anticipated that a plug formed into a disc may be shaped and sized to be pressed fit into the bottom of a polymer formed container.

In another embodiment, a liner may be formed from the composition of the present invention that has an exterior surface substantially conforming to an interior surface of the container body. Like the disc, the liner may be sized so that it may be press-fit into position within the polymer body where it is held sufficiently snugly to prevent its unintended disengagement therefrom. In still a further embodiment, the insert taking the form of either a plug or a liner may be substantially simultaneously comolded with the polymer container body so that each is integrally joined with the other.

In yet another embodiment, composition of the present invention may be used to form sheeting that, in one embodiment, is joined with another sheet. In at least one embodiment, the sheets are effectively laminated one to the other so that an exterior layer may be established adjacent to the composition of the present invention which is substantially gas impermeable. The laminate sheet may then be used to wrap an item which is to be stored in a controlled environment. One means by which the joinder process may be accomplished is through a thermal extrusion procedure.

In each of the embodiments of the present invention described herein, advantages and enhancements over the prior art methods and structures stem from the discovery of the ability to create a co-continuous interconnecting channel morphology throughout the composition of the present invention so that a shaped article may be constructed from the composition of the present invention. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the discovery of employing a hydrophilic agent that also acts as a transmission rate bridge and thus, greatly enhances the structures' ability to quickly remove a desired property located exteriorly to the composition.

One embodiment of the present invention includes a process for producing the composition of the present invention. In one embodiment, the process comprises blending a component A (e.g. water-insoluble polymer) and a component B (e.g. hydrophilic agent). Either prior to blending component B or after blending component B, component C is blended into the polymer so that the additive is uniformly distributed component A and component B is distributed within the polymer. Subsequently, the result is that components B and C form interconnecting channels in the composition through which the desired property is transmitted through the polymer. In another embodiment, component A, component B (e.g. hydrophilic agent) and component C are all thoroughly mixed in dry powder form, and then the blend is melted and formed into a desired shape by molding. A co-continuous interconnecting channel morphology is formed in the composition.

Referring to FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawings of an embodiment of the present invention, a shaped article constructed from the composition of the present invention 20 is illustrated. For purposes of this disclosure of the present invention, the words “entrain” and “contain” have been used interchangeably when referring to the inclusion of component C 30 in composition 25. Referring to FIG. 2, a cross-sectional view is shown of the shaped article 55 that has been constructed from a polymer mixture comprising component A (25) that has been uniformly blended with component C (30) and component B (35). In the illustration of FIG. 2, the composition of the present invention has developed the co-continuous interconnecting channel morphology 45 so that passages are formed throughout the composition of the solidified plug 55. As may be appreciated in both FIGS. 1 and 2, the passages terminate in channel openings 48 at an exterior surface of the shaped article 55.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate an embodiment of the invention in which a sheet of the present invention 75 is created for combination with a barrier sheet 80. The characteristics of the sheets are similar to those described with respect to the shaped article 55. That is, FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment in which the two sheets 75, 80 are separately molded, and later combined to form a packaging wrap having the desired transmission characteristics at an interior surface and impermeability characteristics at an exterior surface. FIG. 4 illustrates a comolded process wherein an interface between sheet 75 and the barrier sheet 80 is less distinct than in the embodiment of FIG. 3. This product can be produced by a thermal forming process. It is contemplated that the separate sheets 75, 80 of FIG. 3 may be joined together with an adhesive or other suitable means to form a laminate from the plurality of sheets 75, 80. Alternatively, the sheeting 75, 80 may be manufactured from a thermal extrusion process whereby both sheets 75, 80 are manufactured at the same time and effectively comolded together to form the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4.

The present invention will be illustrated in greater detail by the following specific examples. It is understood that these examples are given by way of illustration and are not meant to limit the disclosure or claims. Moreover, these examples are meant to further demonstrate that the present invention has a co-continuous interconnecting channel morphology and that component B predominately resides in the interconnecting channels. All percentages in the examples or elsewhere in the specification are by weight unless otherwise specified.

EXAMPLE 1

The purpose ofthe following example is to demonstrate that the composition ofthe present invention has the co-continuous interconnecting channel morphology by subjecting the following materials to a swelling and weight loss analysis.

A. Preparation of Samples

Film #1: A blend of about 93% (w/w) of polypropylene (Exxon Chemicals, tradename Escorene® polypropylene 3505G) and about 7% (w/w) of poly(ethylene glycol) (Dow Chemical, tradename E-4500) was sufficiently mixed to produce a uniform blend. The blend was then fed through a Leistritz twin screw extruder at temperatures in the sixteen zones ranging from about 145° C. to about 165° C., at a feed rate of about 40 lbs/hr, at a screw speed of about 460 rpm and a six inch die. The extruded composition was then fed through a three roll hot press at temperatures ranging from about 85° C. to about 92° C. to produce a film of about 4 mil.

Film #2: A blend of about 68% (w/w) of polypropylene (Exxon Chemicals, tradename Escorene® polypropylene 3505G) and about 3505G), about 12% (w/w) of poly(ethylene glycol) (Dow Chemical, tradename E-4500) and about 20% (w/w) of a desiccant of molecular sieve (Elf Atochem, tradename Siliporite® molecular sieve, 4 Angstrom) was sufficiently mixed to produce a uniform blend. The blend was then fed through a Leistritz twin screw extruder at temperatures in the sixteen zones ranging from about 145° C. to about 165° C., at a feed rate of about 40 lbs/hr at a screw speed of about 460 rpm and a six inch die. The extruded composition was then fed through a three roll hot press at temperatures ranging from about 85° C. to about 92° C. to produce a film of about 4 mil.

Film #3: A blend of about 34.88% (w/w) of polypropylene (Exxon Chemical, tradename Escorene® polypropylene 3505G), about 11.96% (w/w) of poly(ethylene glycol) (Dow Chemical, tradename E-4500), about 52.82% (w/w) of a desiccant of molecular sieve (Elf Atochem, tradename Siliporite® molecular sieve, 4 Angstrom) and about 0.34% (w/w) of a grey colorant was sufficiently mixed to produce a uniform blend. The blend was then fed through a Leistritz twin screw extruder at temperatures in the sixteen zones ranging from about 145° C. to about 165° C., at a feed rate of about 50 lbs/hr at a screw speed of about 460 rpm and a six inch die. The extruded composition was then fed through a three roll hot press at temperatures ranging from about 85° C. to about 92° C. to produce a film of about 4 mil.

B. Swelling and Weight Loss Analysis

Circular disks (OD 1.1 cm) were cut from each of the three samples. Initial dry weights of each sample was recorded. Samples were subsequently incubated in 2.0 ml distilled water and left shaking at room temperature. Periodically at 1, 2, 3, and 34 days, the disks were removed, the surface blotted dry and the sample weighed, to determine the extent of swelling. At each timepoint, the distilled water was replaced to provide for sink conditions. At the end of the study, the samples were lyophilized to remove the water and the sample weighed to determine mass loss. FIG. 9 is a graph of the result of the analysis. Percent swelling is defined as the wet weight at a time point (t), divided by initial dry weight (zero) and multiplied by 100. ‘Dry’ indicates the final lyophilized sample weight following the 34 day incubation.

FIG. 5 shows film #1 did not swell or lose weight over the course of 34 days. Thus, it is believed that this result shows that the poly(ethylene glycol) (i.e., hydrophilic agent) was completely entrapped in the polypropylene (i.e., water-insoluble polymer). Film #2 gained approximately 3% of its initial weight by swelling and lost approximately 9% of its initial weight at the end of the 34 days of incubation. Film #3 gained approximately 6% of its initial weight and lost approximately 8% of its initial weight at the end of the 34 day incubation period. These results demonstrate that interconnecting channels from the exterior through the interior exist in the composition of the present invention because water penetrated films #2 and #3 and a substantial portion of the water soluble component (e.g., poly(ethylene glycol)) of films #2 and #3 was extracted from the polymer.

EXAMPLE 2

The purpose ofthe following example is to demonstrate that the composition ofthe present invention has two separate phases consisting of a component A (e.g. water-insoluble polymer) and component B (e.g. hydrophilic agent).

A. Preparation of Samples

Film #4: 100% polypropylene (Exxon Chemicals, tradename Escorene® polypropylene 3505G) was fed through a Leistritz twin screw extruder at temperatures in the sixteen zones ranging from about 145° C. to about 165° C., at a feed rate of about 40 lbs/hr, at a screw speed of about 460 rpm and a six inch die. The extruded composition was then fed through a three roll hot press at temperatures ranging from about 85° C. to about 92° C. to produce a film of about 4 mil.

Film #5: A blend of about 88% (w/w) of polypropylene (Exxon Chemicals tradename Escorene® polypropylene 3505G), about 12% (w/w) of poly(ethylene glycol) (Dow Chemical, tradename E-4500) was sufficiently mixed to produce a uniform blend. The blend was then fed through a Leistritz twin screw extruder at temperatures in the sixteen zones ranging from about 145° C. to about 165° C., at a feed rate of about 40 lbs/hr, at a screw speed of about 460 rpm and a six inch die. The extruded composition was then fed through a three roll hot press at temperatures ranging from about 85° C. to about 92° C. to produce a film of about 4 mil.

Film #6: A blend of about 68% (w/w) of polypropylene (Exxon Chemicals, tradename Escorene® polypropylene 3505G), about 12% (w/w) of poly(ethylene glycol) (Dow Chemical, tradename E-4500) and about 20% (w/w) of a desiccant of molecular sieve (Elf Atochem, tradename Siliporite® molecular sieve, 4 Angstrom) was sufficiently mixed to produce a uniform blend. The blend was then fed through a Leistritz twin screw extruder at temperatures in the sixteen zones ranging from about 145° C. to about 165° C., at a feed rate of about 12 lbs/hr, at a screw speed of about 460 rpm and a six inch die. The extruded composition was then fed through a three roll hot press at temperatures of about 105° C. to produce a film of about 4 mil.

B. Thermal Analysis Using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (“DSC”)

The processed film samples were analyzed using a Perkin Elmer DSC7 equipped with a TAC 7DX thermal controller. Data were analyzed using Perkin Elmer Pyris software (version 2.01). Samples were heated from −50 to 250° C. at a rate of 10 or 15° C./min, then cooled at the same rate and then heated once again to 250° C. at the same rate. The following table is the date collected from the DSC. The melting point data is given as the melting point peak (° C.) and enthalpy (ΔH, joules/gm) for the first heating ramp (1°) and the second heating ramp (2°). The column referring to FIGS. 10 through 18 is the graphical output from the DSC that corresponds to the date from the table. Since the samples are only heated to 250° C., the molecular sieve in film samples #2, #3 and #7 was not melted and thus, no melting point date was recorded.

Sample Figure # PEG Peak ° C. PEG ΔH J/g PP Peak ° C. PP ΔH J/g 100% FIG. 6 1° 63.808 190.362  none none poly(ethylene glycol) Film #4 FIG. 7 1° none none 162.700 78.462 2° none none 157.200 96.123 Film #5 FIG. 8 1° 57.700 22.253 161.700 80.524 2° 58.033 20.361 157.366 79.721 Film #6 FIG. 9 1° 56.366 19.460 162.200 70.073 2° 57.200 17.094 156.866 58.038 Film #2 1° 58.554 20.845 163.062 60.577 FIG. 10 [pre- 2° 58.779 16.037 157.783 53.706 incubation] Film #2 1° 55.804  0.379 163.062 86.215 FIG. 11 [post- 2° 57.529  0.464 158.533 67.949 incubation] Film #3 1° 59.308 18.849 162.562 40.291 FIG. 12 [pre- 2° 56.529 10.122 158.283 24.980 incubation] Film #3 1° 55.554  0.138 160.562 46.931 FIG. 13 [post- 2° none none 156.033 26.081 incubation]

The 100% poly(ethylene glycol) sample, exhibits a single melting point at 63° C. while film #4 100% polypropylene has a melting point at 157° C. Film #5 displayed both peaks at 58° C. (poly(ethylene glycol)) and 157° C. (polypropylene), which indicates that the two polymers were phase separated. If the polymers were not phase separated but mixed, then the peaks would not be at the melt temperatures of the pure polymers, but shifted. Film #6 shows only the distinct polypropylene peak at 160° C. The molecular sieves do not melt in this temperature range or affect the melting temperature of pure polypropylene. Film #7 again shows two distinct peaks: one for poly(ethylene glycol) at 57° C. and one for polypropylene at 157° C. indicating that in the three component mixture, all are phase separated.

Film samples #2 and 3 were part of the swelling and weight loss analysis presented in Example 1. Once again two distinct peaks were evident: one for poly(ethylene glycol) at 59° C. and one for polypropylene at 158° C. indicating that in the three component mixture, all components were phase separated. However when the polymer film was incubated in water for 34 days at room temperature (File #2: post-incubation) and tested by DSC, the positions of the peaks remained the same indicating the components were still phase-separated. However the area of the poly(ethylene glycol) peak (indicated by delta H, enthalpy) was greatly reduced. This result indicated that poly(ethylene glycol) had been extracted by the prolonged water incubation. Also, the result provided further confirmation for the weight loss data presented in Example 1and demonstrated that the poly(ethylene glycol) component was mostly extracted by means of interconnecting channels in the bulk polypropylene matrix.

Film sample #3 showed the same effect as Film sample #2. The polypropylene delta H peak was not detectable (Film #3: post-incubation), demonstrating nearly complete extraction of poly(ethylene glycol) during water incubation. This confirmed the weight loss result of Example 1 in which the same film lost approximately 8% of it's initial weight. The poly(ethylene glycol) composition of the sample was approximately 12% (w/w).

In addition, the glass transition (T_(g)) analysis from the DSC data of the samples of the present invention also demonstrate that the water-insoluble polymer and the material exist in separate phases. Pure polypropylene exhibits a T_(g) of about −6° C. while pure poly(ethylene glycol) exhibits a T_(g) at about −30° C. DSC data from film #5 exhibit two distinct T_(g)'s, which correspond to the respective polymers (−6° C. for polypropylene and −30° C. for poly(ethylene glycol) and thus, indicates, further that the two components are phase separated.

EXAMPLE 3

The purpose ofthe following example is to demonstrate that the composition ofthe present invention has a co-continuous interconnecting channel morphology and has component C (e.g. the water absorbing material) intermixed within component B (e.g. hydrophilic agent).

A. Scanning Electron Microscopy (“SEM”) Method

The structural properties of the films was imaged using a Hitachi S-2700 microscope operating at 8 kV accelerating voltage to minimize irradiation damage. Each film sample was visualized in three perspectives: 1) the film surface; 2) the fractured film cross-section (0°) and 3) the fractured film cross-section at a 90° angle with respect to orientation #2 (90°). incubation film samples were directly sputter coated with a 5-10 nm layer of gold-palladium with a Polaron Instruments Sputter Coater E5100. Post-incubation samples were incubated at room temperature for 24 hrs in 10 ml of 70% ethanol (w/v) with agitation. The ethanol was discarded and the samples were air-dried overnight. Samples were then frozen and lyophilized overnight to remove any residual moisture and then sputter coated.

B. Morphologv of Film Samples:

FIGS. 14a-c are scanning electron photomicrographs of film sample #4—100% polypropylene. FIGS. 14a-c illustrate that a water-insoluble polymer is typically a dense, homogenous morphology with substantially no porosity. The outer surface is shown in FIG. 14a FIG. 14a shows an outer surface that is dense and displaying substantially no porosity. The cross-sectional view is shown in FIG. 14b at a magnification of 200 times. FIG. 14b shows plate-likedomains of polymer that were revealed during brittle facture ofthe film. Another cross-sectional view is shown in FIG. 14c at a magnification of 1000 times. FIG. 14C shows a dense, fibrillar morphology.

FIGS. 15a-c are scanning electron photomicrographs of film samples #5—about 88% polypropylene and 12% poly(ethylene glycol). FIGS. 15a-c illustrate that a two phase system consisting essentially of a water-insoluble polymer and hydrophilic agent has a heterogeneous morphology with dense fibrillar matrix interspersed with domains of lamellar structures, which is the poly(ethylene glycol). FIGS. 15a-c further show voids between lamellar fibrillar and fibrillar structures that are channels and are oriented in the same direction. The outer surface is shown in FIG. 15a at a magnification of 1000 times. FIG. 15a shows an outer surface that is dense and displaying substantially no porosity. The cross-sectional view is shown in FIG. 15b at a magnification of 2,500 times. FIG. 15b shows fibrillar domains of polymer coated with lamellar strands of poly(ethylene glycol). FIG. 5c is a cross-sectional view of film sample #5 fractured a perpendicular angle and at a magnification of 1,500 times. FIG. 15c shows the fibrillar polypropylene matrix interspersed with solid, amorphous cylinder of poly(ethylene glycol).

FIGS. 16a-c are scanning electron photomicrographs of film sample #6—about 50% polypropylene and 50% molecular sieve. FIGS. 16a-c illustrate a typically homogeneous dense matrix and discrete molecular sieves can only occasionally be seen and are deeply embedded in the polymer despite the high loading of molecular sieves. FIG. 16a shows the outer surface at a magnification of 1,000 times that is covered with long channels measuring 5-30 microns. The outline of the molecular sieves (1-10 microns) can be seen embedded beneath the surface of the polymer. The cross-sectional view is shown in FIG. 16b at a magnification of 200 times. FIG. 16b shows plate-like domains of polymer and a grainy appearance due to the high loading of molecular sieves. FIG. 16c is a cross-sectional view at a magnification 1,500 times and shows a dense morphology, substantially no porosity and many small particles embedded in the polymer.

FIGS. 17a-d are scanning electron photomicrographs of film samples #3—about 52% molecular sieve, about 34% polypropylene and about 12% poly(ethylene glycol). FIGS. 17a-d show a three phase system with a highly porous morphology. FIG. 17a shows the outer surface at a magnification of 500 times that is covered with long channels, measuring 5-30 microns, and that is filled with numerous discrete molecular sieve particles. A cross-sectional view is shown in FIG. 17b at a magnification of 350 times. FIG. 17b shows a very porous morphology with long channels running in the fracture orientation. FIG. 17c is a cross-sectional view in the perpendicular orientation at a magnification of 350 times and appears to show holes. FIG. 17 is at higher magnifications—1,500 times. FIG. 17d shows channels containing discrete molecular sieves as well as agglomerates of many sieves embedded in the poly(ethylene glycol). Consequently, based on FIG. 17b, it is believed that the holes seen in FIGS. 17b and 17 c are locations where the molecular sieve fell out during fracture preparation for SEM.

In conclusion, Examples 1, 2 and 3 further confirm the theory for the formation of a co-continuous interconnecting channel morphology.

EXAMPLE 4

The purpose ofthe following example is to demonstrate that the composition ofthe present invention having the co-continuous interconnecting channel morphology results in a material with an increase in transmission properties when compared to the majority phase material (i.e. component A) or when compared to a two component material (i.e. blend of components A and B). Although the Example 4 compositions have been tested using an MVT test, Example 4 is not meant to limit the present invention to MVT properties of the composition. As detailed above, the appropriate combination and amount of components B and C will result in the desired increase in the desired gas transmission properties due to the selectively of the co-continuous interconnecting channel morphology.

The following were the composition of each of samples #4-1 through #4-8:

% by weight of total Sample # Component A Component B Component C 4-1 100% LLDPE¹ 4-2  95% LLDPE  5% Polyglycol² 4-3  80% LLDPE  5% Polyglycol 15% MS³ 4-4  65% LLDPE  5% Polyglycol 30% MS 4-5  45% LLDPE  5% Polyglycol 50% MS 4-6  30% LLDPE  5% Polyglycol 65% MS 4-7  30% PE⁴ 12% PEO⁵  8% Carbopol⁶  30% PD⁷  4% NaOH⁸  16% EVA⁹ 4-8  30% PE  6% PEO  8% Carbopol  30% PO  4% NaOH  16% EVA  6% PVA¹⁰ Footnotes: Footnote 1: “LLDPE” is a linear low density polyethylene. The manufacturer was Dow Chemical Co. and the tradename was “DOWLEX 2045.” Footnote 2: “Polygylcol” is polyethylene glycol. The manufacturer was Dow Chemical Co. and the tradename was “Polyglycol E-4500.” Footnote 3: “MS” is molecular sieve. The manufacturer was ELF Atochem North America and the tradename is “Siliporite” and the grade is “MS4A.” Footnote 4: “PE” is polyethylene. The manufacturer was Union Carbide and the grade is ”1539.” Footnote 5: “PE” is polyethylene oxide. The manufacturer was Union Carbide and the trade name is “Polyox 750.” Footnote 6: “Carbopol” is high molecular weight homopolymers and co-polymers of acrylic acid crosslinked with a polyalkenyl polyether. The manufacturer was B.F. Goodrich. Footnote 7: “PO” is a polyolefin elastomer. The manufacturer was DuPont Dow Elastomers and the tradename is “Engage 8401.” Footnote 8: “NaOH” is sodium hydroxide. Footnote 9: “EVA” is ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer resin. The manufacturer is DuPont and the tradename is “ELVAX 3185.” Footnote 10: “PVA” is polyvinyl alcohol. The manufacturer is DuPont.

Samples #4-1 through 4-8 were processed by the following method. Components A, B and C were weighed out according to the table above and then were hand mixed for a sufficient time to form a uniform blend. The blend was fed to a Leistriz® twin screw extruder. The extruder was operated at the following conditions: (a) for sample #4-1, the initial temperature was about 180° C. and the final temperature was about 220° C.; (b) for samples #4-2, the initial temperature was about 145° C., the temperature ramped to about 190° C. and the final temperature was about 165° C.; (c) for samples #4-3 through #4-6, the initial temperature was about 145° C., the temperature ramped to about 195° C. and the final temperature was about 170° C.; (d) for sample #4-7, the initial temperature was about 110° C. and the final temperature was about 130° C.; and (e) for sample #4-8, the initial temperature was about 80° C. and the final temperature was about 90° C.

The extruded material is fed to a three roll calendaring stack, which is initially heated to between about 90° C. and about 100° C. The resulting material was a film of about 6 mils thickness.

The resulting film was tested for MVT rates. Each sample was cut to about 10 cm×10 cm in size. Each sample was mounted in a fixture—a circular area of 50 cm². The following results were tested by ASTM test method F 1249-90, using a “Permatran-W3/31”, with one side maintained at 23° C. and 100% RH and the other side at 23° C. and 0% RH. The test was conducted over a 70-hour period.

Average MVTR Sample # Gm (m² day) 4-1 0.5829 4-2 0.8902 4-3 1.5300 4-4 1.8755 4-5 6.9595 4-6 67.8500 4-7 68.9050 4-8 68.9350

The MVT rate data demonstrates that the present invention comprising components A, B and C forming a co-continuous interconnecting channel morphology yields an increase in MVT when compared to a composition of component A or a composition of components A and B.

Monolithic compositions having co-continuous interconnecting channel morphology and their constituent compounds have been described herein. As previously stated, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various forms. It will be appreciated that many modifications and other variations that will be appreciated by those skilled in the art are within the intended scope of this invention as claimed below without departing from the teachings, spirit and intended scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising the control of gas transmission through a composition by forming a composition having a co-continuous interconnecting channel morphology comprising at least three components, (a) wherein component A is selected from the group of polymers that are semicrystalline polymers and amorphous polymers, wherein the amorphous polymers have a shear modulus greater than about 8 MPa; (b) wherein component B is a polymer; (c) wherein components A and B are immiscible within each other and, if components A and B react after mixing, components A and B are immiscible prior to reaction; (d) wherein component C is a particle; (e) wherein the volume fraction of component A represents at least about 50% by volume of the total volume of components A, B and C; (f) wherein the preferential affinity between component B and component C is greater than between component A and component C; (g) wherein at least two phases are formed, one phase is composed of a majority of component A, and the second phase is composed of a majority of component B and a majority of component C; and (h) wherein the two phases form the co-continuous interconnecting channel morphology.
 2. A method comprising the control of gas transmission through a composition by forming a composition having co-continuous interconnecting channel morphology comprising at least five components, (a) wherein component A is selected from the group of polymers that are semierystalline polymers and amorphous polymers, wherein the amorphous polymers have a shear modulus greater than about 8 MPa; (b) component B and B′ are polymers; (c) components A, B and B′ are immiscible within each other; (d) components C and C′ are particles; (e) the volume fraction of component A represents at least about 34% by volume of the total volume of components A, B, B′, C and C′; (f) the preferential affinity between components B and C is greater than either between components A and C and between components B′ and C; (g) the preferential affinity between components B′ and C′ is greater than either between components A and C′ and between components B and C′; (h) at least three phases are formed, one phase is composed of a majority of component A, the second phase is composed of a majority of component B and a majority of component C, and the third phase is composed of a majority of components B′ and a majority of components C′; and (i) at least three phases form the co-continuous interconnecting channel morphology.
 3. A composition having a co-continuous interconnecting channel morphology comprising at least three components: (a) wherein component A is a thermoplastic; (b) wherein component B is a polyglycol; (c) wherein components A and B are immiscible within each other and, if components A and B react after mixing, components A and B are immiscible prior to reaction; (d) wherein component C is a particle; (e) wherein the volume fraction of component A represents at least about 50% by volume of the total volume of components A, B and C; (f) wherein the preferential affinity between component B and component C is greater than between component A and component C; (g) wherein at least two phases are formed, one phase is composed of a majority of component A, and the second phase is composed of a majority of component B and a majority of component C; and (h) wherein the two phases form the co-continuous interconnecting channel morphology and wherein the composition has an increased gas transmission rate compared to component A.
 4. The composition of claim 3, wherein the composition is a shaped article selected from the group consisting of films, sheets and containers.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the control of gas transmission properties is to enhance the capability of component A to transmit moisture vapor.
 6. The method of claim 2, wherein the control of gas transmission properties is to enhance the capability of component A to transmit moisture vapor.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition is a shaped article selected from the group consisting of films, sheets and containers.
 8. The method of claim 2, wherein the composition is a shaped article selected from the group consisting of films, sheets and containers.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the amount of component C is between about 40 to about 65% by weight of the total composition.
 10. The method of claim 2, wherein the amount of component C is between about 40 to about 65% by weight of the total composition.
 11. The composition of claim 3, wherein the amount of component C is between about 40 to about 65% by weight of the total composition.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the amount of component B is between about 3 to about 15% by weight of the total composition.
 13. The method of claim 2, wherein the amount of component B is between about 3 to about 15% by weight of the total composition.
 14. The composition of claim 3, wherein the amount of component B is between about 3 to about 15% by weight of the total composition. 